Two years ago members of a small downstate country church in Noble, Illinois, were forming big plans. The community of Fairfield, Illinois, 25 miles to the south, was ripe for the harvest; Noble Church members were about to provide the reapers. Their Discover Bible School records and the Magabook students' community visits uncovered a strong need for Bible truth in Fairfield. Clyde Liston, Steve Scott, and Dennis Scranton had been working for years to reach their community with the Adventist message — Bible studies and door-to-door visits had sown the seeds. Now it was time for the harvest.

Satan always works hardest when God’s people reach out. Liston and Scranton had prepared for 2002 outreach meetings for over a year. Plans were postponed when Liston’s mother passed away. In 2003, Liston and Scranton again began to work with Scott and other Noble leaders for an autumn outreach; however, Scranton was killed in a tragic auto accident in August.

The congregation was devastated by this loss, but voted unanimously to proceed with a Daniel and Revelation seminar in October. The church board voted to fully fund the seminar in Fairfield, and to provide video and audio equipment and manpower. It was also decided that Noble members living in Fairfield, as well as any new interests, would remain in Fairfield to establish a new company following the seminar.

“We can’t afford to lose that many members in a church this size.”

“Why can’t the new interests in Fairfield come to Noble?”

“If we proceed with this project, will our own church die?”

These were just a few of the comments spoken in fear by members who were always reassured by their pastor. Tom Ferguson, Noble Church pastor, reminded members that “When God opens the door, we have to step through.”

Ferguson conducted the first ten seminars in October 2003. Within days, over 80 people had been reached with God’s message. As lay speakers shared the 14 remaining topics, Satan continued to attack the group with illness, family deaths, and auto accidents.

Despite these challenges, four precious souls were baptized, and several others are being nurtured. The Fairfield Company was officially recognized by the Illinois Conference this past summer. Long-range witnessing goals include a Discover Bible School, conducting a CHIP® program, and additional evangelistic seminars.

What happened to the Noble Church? Obviously, the church plant had a huge impact. In a congregation of 60, 13 absent members left a large hole. Leadership positions vacated included: two elders, a deacon, a Sabbath School superintendent, the church clerk, personal ministries leader, Pathfinder director, teen Sabbath School teacher, and bulletin secretary — but our God is an awesome God.

The Noble Church also held a Daniel and Revelation seminar this spring with an attendance of 25, surpassing any outreach conducted for the last ten years. Five new souls were baptized into the Noble Church. The Discover Bible School is still going strong, and home Bible study groups are actively working with others interested in God’s message.

Stepping out in faith can be painful, but God blesses those who aren’t afraid to stand up and proclaim Him before others. The Noble members have been rewarded for their faith and vision, and the Fairfield Company is proud to be called a planted seed.

Tracy Scranton is a correspondent from the Fairfield Company.